The Port of Dover has put in place a collective operational plan in a bid to combat delays ahead of the peak holiday getaway period.
Coach operators and ferry firms aim to spread travel demand during peak periods while coach processing capacity at the French border is being more than doubled from three to seven positions.
Up to nine lanes of car traffic for tourists will be provided in addition to freight processing capacity.
The port will share hour-by-hour projections for every day of the summer with operational partners, for them to plan their resources and processes.
A designated coach processing facility on the approach to the ferry terminal is being reinstated to conduct the Advanced Passenger Information (API) checks and smooth movements to the port following its success at half term.
The port authority, the French Police Aux Frontières, Border Force and the three ferry operators using Dover have “carefully put plans in place to support the efficient workings of the port system,” Dover said.
Port of Dover chief executive Doug Bannister said: “We have worked hard with our partners to deliver a series of improvements to our shared operation, engaging in extensive planning for the peak period, and making continual investments that support the ferry operation and protect the local community.
“We are advising passengers not to arrive more than three hours before sailing and that, in the case of any issues with the sailing they are booked on, they will be placed on the next available sailing.
“When passengers arrive at the Port of Dover, they will be processed through border controls – anticipated to take around 90 minutes on peak days.
“However, our modelling indicates that processing times may be up to 2.5 hours during the peak hours of 6am to 1pm during the first couple of Saturdays and Sundays of the summer holidays, due to the extreme popularity of these days.
“Passengers will then progress through ferry operator check-ins and be able to access retail and amenities, before boarding their ferry to France on the shortest sea crossing, with access to plenty of entertainment and dining options, enjoying no legroom restrictions and zero wait time in the port on the other side, as they drive straight off the ship and head onwards to their destination.
“We care about every passenger that chooses to travel via the Port of Dover and have worked hard to ensure the best experience possible as they transit through on their summer holidays.”
Discover Ferries director Abby Penlington added: “The Port of Dover, its ferry operators, and border officials have been working together to plan for the busy season ahead and are looking forward to welcoming passengers departing for their well-deserved summer holidays.
“The first weekend of the school summer holidays is the most popular travel weekend of the year and while Dover will undoubtedly be very busy due to the popularity of the route, everyone will be able to get away.
“Passengers who opt to travel via ferry from Dover can benefit from greater flexibility and experience a smoother journey; driving straight out of the port on the other side without waiting for border control or baggage reclaim and, unlike flights and time-stamped train tickets, if you miss the crossing time you booked, you can often just hop on the next available ferry.”